The Unlocking CT (Local) Holiday Gift Guide – your 1-stop resource for shopping locally this holiday season.
Discover some new, independent businesses to tap into for unique & awesome gifts. And don’t forget, if you prefer to shop online, almost all of these stores offer shipping (and gift wrapping, double whoop!).
The Unlocking CT (local) Holiday Gift Guide is a sponsored post
Ideas for everyone on your list ahead, even the hard-to-shop-for!
dwell New Haven
(New Haven) dwell is an awesome lifestyle boutique on Chapel Street filled with super cool things from around the world along with a focus on local makers. The acorn vase is just one of many delightful gift ideas in decor, kitchen & table, textiles, and much more!
Depot Dog
(Washington) Of course, we’ll be treating our pet friends this holiday, because honestly, where would we be without them?! Depot Dog has high-end nutritional foods & treats, apparel, beds, collars/leashes plus gift baskets ready to go!
Desert Rose
(Mystic) All of the gorgeous jewelry in Desert Rose is made and designed by women artists. The jewelry in the Ananda Soul collection goes through a traditional Balinese cleansing ceremony before it goes out into the world. Each intricately designed piece represents a phase of the moon!
Willow & Birch
(Madison) Willow & Birch has a beautiful collection of gifty things for home, women, men, & babies! They offer bridal registry, and corporate gifting services, with complimentary gift wrapping. The CT shoreline’s only Simon Pearce retailer; start somebody on their glass tree collection!
Simpson & Vail
(Brookfield) Help someone discover the soothing world of tea. Simpson & Vail (founded in 1929!) has over 375 teas & herbal tisanes, 75+ fresh roasted coffees, beautiful tea accessories, and tasty gourmet foods; everything to create a lovely and warm gift!
Skin and Tonic
(New Milford) Skin + Tonic Spa & Beauty Boutique is a calming spot for holistically minded, results-driven skincare, makeup, and wellness gifts. Or, give a gift certificate for one of their special facials, microcurrent therapy, massage, or lymphatic drainage treatments.
Bantam Tileworks
(Bantam) Everything at Bantam Tileworks is handmade onsite including these hand-painted trees and ornaments. We love our growing collection of trees – they make perfect hostess & teacher gifts! Their one-of-a-kind vases, plates, mugs, and platters are also always a hit.
Becca Rose
(Mystic) Becca Rose is a haven of witchy wellness to nurture our magickal side. Filled with crystals, tarot, and metaphysical gifts to support the spiritual journey – visit or peruse their website for dreamy uplifting gifts!
The Rustic Barn
(Killingworth) Check out The Rustic Barn’s candle subscription – hand-poured at their holiday wonderland of a shop. Their candles are made from soy, have lead-free wicks, and come in many glorious scents. You can choose from sending a 1-time gift or 6 months. Something for all budgets!
Little Bee of Connecticut
(Southbury) Stock up on your Little Bee of Connecticut natural local honey and hand-rolled beeswax candles – they’re perfect gifts for anyone…teachers, hosts, unexpected visitors! Little Bee honey comes straight from the comb to the jar retaining all of the good-for-you bee pollen. What a sweet gift!
Bungalow on the Ave
(Berlin) Bungalow on the Ave (BOTA!) is far from only furniture (although they do have a large inventory of cool furniture ready to go home with you!) – it’s also packed with great Christmas decor, kitchenware, entertaining gifts, candles, and art. Go visit – they also host fun events.
Tea & Tarot: Herbal Wellness Boutique
(Madison) Tea & Tarot is a natural wellness boutique offering dozens of handmade teas, herbal products, cool witchy gifts, plus holistic tarot & energetic services. Give the gift of an in-person workshop or check out their online courses!
Adam Broderick Salon & Spa
(Ridgefield & Southbury) If beauty and wellness are on their holiday wish list, give them the gift of Adam Broderick time! They can choose from massages or facials, a full salon experience, or a fun shopping spree in the ab boutique. Free $25 gift card with every $175 in ab gift cards purchased through December 31st, 2023.
The Griswold Inn Store ~ Goods & Curiosities
(Essex) @Grisgoods museum-style gift store features an eclectic mix of items inspired by the Griswold Inn and New England. From early American heritage to Connecticut lifestyle and entertaining today. Traditional, contemporary, kids, kitchen, gifts for guys…there’s something for all!
New Morning Market
(Woodbury) Our preferred spot for natural food and a healthy lifestyle is New Morning Market. Visit them for all your holiday menu needs and indulge in extra special treats like the panettone! Explore their organic, sustainable gifts crafted by local makers and artisans from around the world. Unique & thoughtful gifts abound!
Piper and Dune
(Southbury) Gift shopping for those tricky to buy for is easy at Piper and Dune! You’ll find whimsical, fun gifts and a large selection of New England-inspired goodies. Men’s gifts, baby, fabulous women’s accessories, plus special holiday items.
Salt of the Earth Wellness Center
(Woodbury) Give the gift of a Salt of the Earth 10-pack package, where rejuvenating experiences can be mixed and matched. Choose from a salt bed session, chakra cleanse-up under crystal lights, NIR/red light therapy, the revitalizing BioCharger, and the Bio-acoustic sound mat. Their well-being journey just got a whole lot more diverse and delightful!
TrailHeads
The TrailHeads Women’s Trailblazer Ponytail Hat is an all-purpose fleece baseball cap. From backyard to backcountry – this stylish ponytail hat works well for casual “around town” wear and it’s also perfect for those who love to run, hike, and stay active during the cold weather!
Makeupmakeup
(Milford) Kristina Foreman offers clean, custom-blended, mineral makeup at her studio, MakeupMakeup. Surprise someone with a gift certificate for impeccably matched makeup, personalized makeup lessons, professional applications, complete packages for photography sessions, and much more!
The RiverLane
(Essex) Discover chic gifts for yourself and your fashion-forward friends at The RiverLane. You’ll find a dreamy collection of women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories. Whether you lean towards boho, rockstar, red carpet glamour, luxurious city chic, or adorable date night looks, they have it all!
Honeychurch Home
(Salisbury) Explore the exquisite, nature-inspired gifts sourced from around the world at Honeychurch Home. The store is as beautiful as the countryside you’ll drive through to get there! Alternatively, indulge in a virtual scroll through their online offerings. Also, the most enchanting flower arrangements!
Daisy Wilder
Lora has combined her artistic skills with her love of gemstones and crystals to create her very special hand-beaded collection, Daisy Wilder. Beautiful jewelry for the dream chasers, magic makers, and adventure seekers.
Use code UNLOCKING20 for 20% off your order until December 10th.
The Hidden Acorn
(Woodbury) Step into The Hidden Acorn, where the past meets the present in a fusion of antique, vintage, and new housewares, furniture, gifts, and restoration supplies. Explore their super fun collection of local and sustainable products. If Santa were to have a home in Woodbury, this would be it!
The Spa at Litchfield Hills
(Litchfield) The Spa at Litchfield Hills is a sanctuary for holistic healing, offering world-class beauty, health, and wellness experiences. Spoil someone special with the gift of spa time, or explore their luxury beauty, accessories, and self-care items.
Classic Hotels of Connecticut
Give the “Gift of Indulgence” this holiday season with a Classic Hotels of Connecticut gift card! Perfect for a luxurious weekend getaway or a gourmet dining experience at one of their award-winning restaurants. These charming New England hotels will delight with their elegant hospitality.
Byrde + the b
(Litchfield) The gift of beautiful, healthy hair! If you’re in the area (folks travel from afar to visit Byrde), treat her/him/you to a luxurious hair experience! Byrde + the b also has men’s & women’s WKND fashions, handcrafted jewelry, tote bags, ceramics, photography, paintings & beauty products.
Grace Medical Aesthetics
(Southbury + Westport + Southington, CT + NYC + Bedford Hills, NY) Grace Medical Aesthetics – it’s who we love and trust! Start your new skin routine or try a service, they have everything you need to get glowing. Check out the menu and get your gift card here.
Soulbury
(Woodbury) Soulbury is a favorite for many! People flock to this cultural gift store filled with natural products, local lines (like Daisy Wilder!), plants, crystals, mugs, vintage-style holiday decor, gourmet goodies, and…just go visit!
Coco Lily
(Avon) Another fashion-forward boutique to find that outfit (you’ll love forever!), or to treat your bestie to a gift card (you’ll secretly want). Coco Lily has a fabulous selection of Kerri Rosenthal, a locally designed line from Connecticut. Every piece in her collection is based on her artwork, and we’re totally here for it! ❤️
John’s Cafe
(Woodbury) If you take a drive around Litchfield County this holiday season put dinner/lunch at John’s Cafe on your itinerary! We dine here often because it’s consistently so darn good! Expect a warm welcome, excellent service, and a meal + dessert (do it!) you’ll not soon forget.
The Unlocking CT (local) Holiday Gift Guide